Valentine's Day movies that have something for everyone

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February 06, 2017

If dinner and a movie are part of your Valentine’s Day (or Galentine’s Day) plans, don’t let a debate over what to watch get in the way. Whether you know every word of The Notebook by heart, or would rather re-watch episodes of The Walking Dead than go anywhere near the “Romance” titles on Netflix, we’ve rounded up a list of films you’ll enjoy watching with a partner.

Our selections include hilarious comedies and relatable dating stories that appeal to romantics and realists alike, so you can fast forward through the lengthy conversation about which movie to see.

(500) Days of Summer

You might spy rom-com hallmarks (boy meets girl, boy falls for girl) in this 2009 moving starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel, but a narrator’s voice says at the start, “This is not a love story.” Instead, it’s a fun flick about a guy who believes in happily ever after.

Skipping a weepy romance for Rocky? Stick with us. In this new take on the boxing franchise, Apollo Creed’s son Adonis (Michael B. Jordan) strives to make a name for himself in the ring. When he falls for aspiring singer Bianca (Tessa Thompson), they both motivate one another to go after their dreams.

Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan walk the line between friends and more than friends in this 1989 favourite. More than 25 years later, the banter between opposites Harry and Sally, and their will-they-won’t-they story still holds up.

Fans of The 40-Year-Old Virgin and Knocked Up will fall for Amy Schumer’s first film, which was also directed by Judd Apatow. It features appearances by Brie Larson and Tilda Swinton, and is equal parts heartfelt and hilarious. The movie will have you laughing out loud well before it veers off into romantic territory.

This ensemble comedy follows four single men – and one separated guy, played by Kevin Hart – who discover that the women they’re dating are all getting dating advice from the same source. With so many relationship scenarios packed into one story, you’ll be sure to find one that makes you laugh, or sparks conversation.

They say you find love when you least expect it, and that’s exactly what happens in this action-comedy. This zombie movie starring Jesse Eisenberg and Emma Stone will make you smile, laugh and keep you on your toes. If, by the end you think your date would save you from a zombie apocalypse, then that’s true love!

Escape the typical Valentine’s Day options with a trip into director Wes Anderson’s world. A pair of preteens decides to run away together in this 1965-set film. The cast includes Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray and Bruce Willis.

They made a pact to hook up with no strings attached, but Dylan (Justin Timberlake) and Jamie (Mila Kunis) can’t help but get tangled up in dating drama. The film’s clever attempts to poke fun at rom-com clichés will keep even the genre’s opponents entertained.

If watching Ryan Gosling play a smooth-talking mentor to Steve Carell (who plays a newly-single father) isn’t enough to entice you, this crowd-pleasing movie also has an all-star cast (Julianne Moore! Emma Stone!) and a surprise ending.